CD Reviews

A Twin Cities' Legend

JEM | Seattle, WA USA | 04/01/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard Tina & the B-Sides at an outdoor music festival in 1997, and was so blown away that I bought all of their CDs the next day. There is no question that Tina Schlieske's strength is in her live performance, if not necessarily in her musicianship. After releasing 3 albums independently, she and the B-Sides released "Salvation" on a major label. Although not as strong as the legendary "Young Americans," "Salvation" remains one of my favorite discs. It evokes memories of everything that was great about living in Minneapolis -- good people, fun times, and a lack of the pretension that finds its way in some form or another in the vibe of more commercial musicians. "It's All Just the Same" (her last major label release) is equally as fun, with clever references that only her most avid fans would recognize (the song "Deliver Me" is written almost entirely using song titles from her independently-released albums). Agreed, to truly appreciate Tina & the B-Sides is to see them live (be sure to arm yourself with several bottles of beer and shots of Jagermeister -- the band does!). Unfortunately, since she parted ways with the B-Sides in 1999, Tina can only be caught occasionally at a handful of solo shows outside of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Do yourself a favor and check her out -- you won't regret it, and the discs will never quite sound the same. If you can't, check out the live discs "The Last Polka" (recorded at two performances at the infamous First Ave. in Mpls) and "Lola and the Red Hots" (the band's alter-ego playing entirely cover songs, including "Back in Black" by AC/DC)."

Not quite the record it should've been.

JEM | 07/29/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This was Tina's first album for a major label. It's a text book case of what can go wrong when a new act is signed, a big budget is applied and there is hardly a decent song in sight. New material was in short supply, so two songs from her first indie album reappears here. Tina's strength up to the present moment has always been in the capacity of singer and performer; very old school with tons of audience interaction and sweat. See her in a small out of the way venue if you can. She has as of this year been released from her contract with Sire Records and the future of the band looks uncertain. I believe that her best work as a recording artist is yet to come if she can write or find the right songs to record. She's a rock & roll singer in need of rock & roll songs. She's one of a kind and I wish her all the best for the future."